Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Labour introduced National Environmental Standards for Air Quality in 2004. National is
allowing extra years for implementation. Labour will not allow any further slippage.
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of car ownership in the world and a relatively old
vehicle fleet. Labour set standards requiring upgrade of the fleet and a reduction in vehicle
emissions.
Labour will assist regional councils to implement the National Environmental
Standards for Air Quality by:
● Encouraging homeowners to adopt energy-efficiency measures and install
cleaner sources of home heating
● Further reducing the amount and toxicity of vehicle emissions.
Labour believes there is opportunity for local authorities to take leadership in reducing
emissions in their areas. Emissions reduction programmes with a local focus are one step
towards reducing our total impact on the environment, particularly on the air we breathe.
Labour will develop tools for local authorities that will assist in the development and
implementation of emissions reduction programmes.
For more on energy efficiency at home and in businesses, see Labour‟s Energy policy.
Genetic modification
The Royal Commission on genetic modification (GM) reported in 2001. The Commission
recommended a precautionary approach whereby New Zealand‟s unique environment would
be protected but future options to take advantage of this new science would not be closed
off. Labour endorsed that approach.
Labour will insist on zero tolerance of unapproved GM organisms.
Labour strengthened New Zealand‟s system of managing GM organisms (GMOs) to being
one of the most robust and stringent in the world. We believe accountability and traceability
of GMOs is necessary to protect New Zealand‟s unique environment.
Labour will redirect government research funding toward supporting non-GM means
of raising agricultural productivity, such that GM science in the lab remains supported
but research targeting the outdoor use of GMOs gives way to non-GM projects.
Labour will protect farmers who do not wish to adopt GM technology by ensuring the
liability regime for use of GMOs that cause harm is strengthened.
Labour will ensure that the EPA is obliged to set conditions for the use of GMOs that
align with any relevant policies put in place by regional councils.
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